Demonetisation affects relief process for Gahar fire victims

The process by the local administration to give financial relief to 92 victims of the Gahar village fire was hit after a bank refused to clear payment of Rs 5 lakh citing the RBI's post-demonetisation instruction limiting withdrawals to Rs 24,000.

Ninety-two persons of 23 families of Kullu district's Gahar village were rendered homeless after their houses were gutted in a fire this week with local revenue officials putting the loss at Rs 1.50 crore.

"To raise the Rs 5 lakh as interim relief to victims, money was borrowed from local businessmen and contributions were sought from people," Special Secretary (disaster management)D D Sharma today said, adding we have written to the RBI Governorto removed the Rs 24,000 cap during natural calamities.
 

It is a serious matter as the state is prone to natural calamities in winters from heavy snowfall and rains. If the cap is not removed, providing relief to people and rescue work will be hampered, Sharma said.

Victims have been provided clothes, food, water, temporary shelter and other facilities, he said.